SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR EXTRACTING WATER FROM AIR

Abstract

A system, apparatus, and method are provided for extracting water from ambient air. An inlet is provided to receive ambient air into the system, a cooling chamber where extraction of water occurs, and a reservoir for collecting extracted water. The apparatus extracts water by pre-cooling ambient air and then further reducing the temperature of the air in the cooling chamber until water particles condense on surfaces in the cooling chamber. The extracted water is then transferred to the reservoir where it can be collected until a distribution module removes the water from the system. The system may further comprise means for sanitizing the collected water, rendering it safe for human use along with a controlling module and insulated and conductive components configured to reduce energy loss, optimize water recovery, and increase water yield.

Claims

1. A modular system for collecting water from ambient air comprising: (a) an air flow module comprising an inlet configured to receive air, a means for driving ambient air, and an outlet configured for air to exit the system; (b) a cooling module comprising a cooling chamber, at least one cooling member configured to contact the air, and additional cooling means; (c) a collection module comprising a reservoir configured to store the extracted water and a means for transferring extracted water; (d) a power module; and (e) a distribution module.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sanitation module configured to purify the water.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the means for purifying water is selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet light, particle filtration, chemical treatment, heat treatment, and combinations thereof.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for driving ambient air is a device selected from a group consisting of a compressor, a fan, and a booster pump.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a control module having at least one sensor.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to monitor conditions from a group consisting of temperature, pressure, power, moisture, water quality, and combinations thereof.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the control module is configured to receive data from at least one sensor, compare the data to a threshold, and if the data is outside of the threshold, execute one or more steps selected from a group consisting of activating an alarm, sending a notification, shutting down the system, cycling through heating and cooling of the system, and combinations thereof.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the cooling means is selected from a group consisting of a thermoelectric cooler, a fan, effluent air, a coolant, and a thermodynamic refrigeration device.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a heating source.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of inlets, forced air devices, cooling chambers, and outlets.

11. An apparatus for water collection comprising: (a) an air inlet; (b) a forced-air device configured to drive air into the system; (c) a cooling source; (d) a cooling chamber having at least one cooling member; (e) a reservoir; (f) an air outlet; and (g) a power supply.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the air inlet comprises a filter.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the reservoir comprises a purification device selected from the group consisting of filters, ultraviolet lights, chemicals, and combinations thereof.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a heating source.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cooling source is operative to cool the cooling chamber.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cooling source is selected from the group consisting of a thermoelectric cooler, a fan, effluent air, a coolant, and a thermodynamic refrigeration device.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a monitoring device wherein the monitoring device is configured to monitor variables from a group consisting of temperature, pressure, power, moisture, water quality, and combinations thereof.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the forced-air device is selected from a group consisting of a compressor, a fan, and a booster pump.

19. A method for extracting water from air comprising: (a) receiving ambient air into an apparatus through an inlet; (b) pre-cooling the ambient air; (c) moving the pre-cooled air into a cooling chamber having a cooling member; (d) reducing the temperature of the cooling member; (e) causing contacting the pre-cooled air in the cooling chamber with the cooling member, extracts water from the air; (f) collecting extracted water from the cooling member; (g) transporting extracted water to a reservoir; (h) purifying extracted water in the reservoir; (i) expelling the exhaust air from the apparatus; and (j) monitoring the level of extracted water in the reservoir.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the interaction between components in the system and apparatus for extracting water from air;

[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of an exemplary embodiment of the system for extracting ambient air as in FIG. 1;

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of air flow in the system;

[0056] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of connection between modules comprising the system for extracting water from air;

[0057] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the interaction between components comprising the system and apparatus for extracting water from air.

[0058] The disclosed embodiments may be better understood by referring to the figures in the attached drawings, as provided below. The attached figures are provided as non-limiting examples for providing an enabling description of the method and system claimed. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting of its scope. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without some of the details included in order to provide a thorough enabling description of such embodiments. Well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0059] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denotes the same elements.

[0060] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus

[0061] The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled, but not mechanically or otherwise coupled; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled. Coupling (whether mechanical, electrical, or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent, or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

[0062] The terms “cool air,” “cool dry air,” “dry air,” “exhaust air,” and the like should be broadly understood to relate to air following the extraction of water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to that which is illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0064] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the system for extracting ambient air 100, wherein the embodiment may comprise an inlet 112, a means for driving ambient air into the system as an exemplary fan 114, a cooling chamber 122, cooling member 124, a cooling means 126, and a means for collecting extracted water 132, An outlet for expended air and a reservoir for storing extracted water may be configured off of the means for collecting extracted water 132.

[0065] In the embodiment depicted, various elements of the present invention are shown in one of many different possible configurations. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the physical arrangement or configurations of one or more elements of the present invention may be positioned differently from the arrangement generally disclosed in FIG. 1. Likewise, in some embodiments, the system may comprise multiples of each element or module.

[0066] In one embodiment water may be extracted by driving air in through the inlet 112 by the exemplary fan 114 into the cooling chamber 122 where the cooling means 126 may reduce the temperature of the driven air until water may be extracted through condensation. Extracted water as condensation is collected or gathered together in the means for collecting extracted water 132, and diverted to the reservoir, not pictured by path 134. Exhaust comprising dehumidified air may exit the system through an outlet, not pictured, by path 116.

[0067] The inlet 112 may be operative to receive ambient air into the system. In some instances, the inlet 112 may comprise at least one filter, preceding the cooling chamber 122, to prevent the entry of dust, bugs, and other particles into certain portions of the system.

[0068] The means for driving ambient air is drawn as a fan 114 in the exemplary embodiment, however, it is s contemplated that means for driving air into the system by way of the inlet 112 may alternatively or additionally comprise a fan, compressor, or air pressure increase device. In some embodiments, the means for driving ambient air into the system further comprises a convergent divergent nozzle known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0069] The cooling means 126 may be operative to cool the chamber 122 in order to cause condensation of water in the air driven into the system. The cooling means 126 may also cool the cooling member 124. The cooling means 126 may be, for example, a thermoelectric cooler, a water-assisted cooler, effluent air, or coolant. In an embodiment where the cooling means 126 is a thermoelectric cooler, the cooling means 126 may, for example, operate on principles of thermoelectric, Peltier, or refrigeration style cooling as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In instances when the cooling means 126 requires power to operate, the system may further comprise a power supply, not shown, in electrical communication with the cooling means 126.

[0070] In instances where effluent air is utilized as a cooling means 126 it may utilize exhaust air. The exhaust air may for example be configured to contact the ambient air entering the system. It is contemplated that the exhaust air may be operative to cool the ambient air through thermodynamic principles. As a clarifying example and without limitation, the exhaust air be operative to pre-cool the ambient air as it enters the cooling chamber.

[0071] The exhaust air may leave the system through an outlet located off of path 116 from the means for collecting extracted water 132. Such outlet may comprise any means operative to allow air to pass through. For example, and without limitation, the outlet 116 may be an opening, nozzle, or pipe. It is contemplated that the outlet may further comprise at least one filter configured to prevent particles from entering the system through the outlet. The outlet may be located on any surface of the system. Providing a plurality of outlets throughout the system may beneficially reduce air pressure and energy required to operate the system. However, it is contemplated that manipulating the pressure of air in the system may aid water extraction. In one exemplary embodiment, the outlet may be disposed along ductwork or tubing defining the path 134 the cooling chamber 122 and the reservoir. It is contemplated that the outlet may be configured such that any expelled exhaust air is directed away from the inlet 112. In another embodiment however, the outlet 116 may be configured such that it is located near the inlet 112. Indeed, in some embodiments, it may be possible to recycle air through the system without departing from the invention in order to extract remaining moisture.

[0072] The reservoir may be connected to the cooling chamber 122 off of path 134 from the means for collecting extracted water 132 as well. In some embodiments the reservoir 134 may comprise a one-way valve to allow the extracted water to flow into the reservoir 134 but prevent backflow through the means for collecting extracted water 132 and/or into the cooling chamber 122.

[0073] FIG. 2 illustrates one alternative exemplary embodiment of air flow in the system, wherein the embodiment may comprise an inlet 112, a duct 212, exemplary means for driving ambient air as a fan 114, cooling member 124, cooling means 126, insulation 232, and an air separator 222.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 the inlet 112 is depicted as defining converging diverging nozzle configured to reduce air pressure within the system and, as a result of this pressure drop, reduce the temperature of the air as well. This may beneficially reduce energy needed to cool ambient air, however, it is possible that the system may operate without any nozzle, another type of nozzle, and other configurations of the inlet 112.

[0075] FIG. 2 further illustrates that the inlet 112 may be connected to the cooling chamber 122 through a duct 212.

[0076] FIG. 2 shows one exemplary embodiment comprising insulation 232 at or near the cooling means 126 to reduce energy loss in the system. Insulation may be present at other locations throughout the system. For example, the reservoir may be insulated. As a further example, the air separator 222 may be insulated to reduce heat transfer between relatively cool air passing through the cooling chamber and warm air received into the system. Other means for reducing energy loss may, for example and without limitation, comprise fabricating elements comprising the system out of high conductivity materials and/or coating elements within the system with conductive paste. Indeed, it is contemplated that any components of the system may be configured in this manner to reduce energy loss and even optimize cooling where desired.

[0077] In some embodiments, the air separator 222 may be operative to direct exhaust air so it can be utilized as the cooling means 126. The directed exhaust air may, in one embodiment, be operative to perform pre-cooling of the air entering the system. This is accomplished by contacting the ambient air entering the system with the directed exhaust air, thus reducing the temperature of the air as it enters the system. The exhaust air may, for example, be air in which water has previously been extracted by the system. It is contemplated that using the exhaust air as a cooling means 126 it may reduce overall energy consumption. It is further contemplated that using the exhaust air as a cooling means 126 may increase the water yield since recycled air may be subject to cooling and water extraction multiple times.

[0078] The air separator 222 may be further operative to direct air out of the system as exhaust through one or more outlets discussed above. In some instances, the air separator 222 may be operative to direct exhaust the one or more outlets following after such air has been recycled through the system for pre-cooling.

[0079] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of connection between a plurality of modules comprising the elements of the system. More particularly, the system may comprise an air flow module 310, a cooling module 312, a collection module 314, a sanitation module 316, a distribution module 318, a control module 330, a sensor module 332, and a power module 320.

[0080] The air flow module 310, for instance, may comprise the inlet 112, means for driving ambient air 114, outlet 116, and duct 212 referenced with respect to exemplary embodiments in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. More particularly, and with continued reference to FIG. 3, the air flow module 310 may be operative to move ambient air into the system and remove exhaust air from the system. It is contemplated that the power module 320 may be connected with the air flow module 310 to provide power to the means for driving ambient air 114.

[0081] The cooling module 312 may comprise the cooling chamber 122, cooling member 124, and cooling means 126 shown in FIG. 1. Returning to FIG. 3, The cooling module 312 may be operative to cool the ambient air and extract water from the cooled air as condensation. In some embodiments, the cooling means be connected to the power module 320 as well. As an example, in instances where the cooling means is a thermoelectric cooler, the power module 320 may provide the necessary power to allow for the thermoelectric cooler to operate.

[0082] The collection module 314 may comprise one or more reservoirs. In some embodiments, the collection module 314 may further comprise a collection means operative to assist moving water through the system and into the reservoir 134. In some instances, the collection means may comprise a device that may, for example, be operative to collect the extracted water through on principles of gravity, vibration, centrifugal force, and pushing. For instance, the collection means may comprise one or more plates or surfaces tilted downward to cause condensation collected thereon to slide downward, under gravity, into the reservoir. A plate or surface may be in electrical communication with a motor that causes such plate or surface to shake or spin, causing condensation collected thereon to flow into the reservoir. Likewise, a motorized squeegee may be operative to push condensation into the reservoir. Thus, it may be seen that the particular collections means will not limit the invention. In any event, the power module 320 may be connected to the collection means as well.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, the collection module 314 may further comprise a sanitation module 316 itself comprising means for purifying water. The sanitation module 316 may be operative to purify the extracted water in order to render it potable or otherwise fit for use.

[0084] The means for purifying water may for example be one or more filters, an ultraviolet light, heat, or chemicals. In one embodiment, when the means for purifying water is one or more filters, such filters may, for example and without limitation, be located on the entry of the reservoir 134 shown in FIG. 1.

[0085] The means for sanitation may also be connected with the power module 320. For example and without limitation, the means for sanitation may be ultraviolet lights that receive power from the power module 320. It is contemplated that in such an example, the ultraviolet lights may be located within reservoir 134 shown in FIG. 1. The methods in which ultraviolet lights may be operated for sanitation are understood by those in the art and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0086] Alternatively, or in addition to the foregoing, the sanitation module 316 may comprise a heating source operative to increase the temperature of the extracted water as a means for purification. The heating of water for purification is well understood in the art. It is contemplated that the heating source may be connected to the power module 320.

[0087] The sanitation module 316 may alternatively or additionally comprise chemicals as a means for purifying extracted water. As an example, and without limitation, the chemicals may comprise non-toxic levels of chlorine sufficient to disinfect extracted water. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand other chemicals for purifying water and the concentrations used to practice the invention.

[0088] In some embodiments, the sanitation module 316 may be located in the distribution module 318 rather than the collection module 314. For example, a filter comprising the sanitation module 316 may be located within the distribution module 318, such that the water is purified as it is leaving the system.

[0089] The sanitation module 316 may additionally be an independent module (not shown). For example, the extracted water may enter into the sanitation module that is not within any of the cooling module 312, collection module 314, or distribution module 318.

[0090] A distribution module 318 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention may comprise means for distributing the extracted water. As shown in FIG. 3, the distribution module 318 may be connected to the collection module 314. In such an embodiment, the distribution module 318 may be operative to take the extracted water that was collected in the reservoir, and remove the extracted water from the system. The means for distributing the extracted water may, for example and without limitation, be an opening for direct access, pumps, tubes, or valves.

[0091] It is contemplated that the distribution module 318 may be configured in a manner operating on principles of gravity. For example, and without limitation, the means for distribution, such as a tube or valve, may be located at or near the bottom of the reservoir. In such an example, gravity may allow for the water to exit the system as it flows downward toward such tube or valve.

[0092] In another embodiment, the means for distributing extracted water may be connected to the power module 320. For example, a pump may be connected to the power module 320 and operative to distribute water from the system.

[0093] In another embodiment, the means for distributing extracted water may be user operated. For example and without limitation, the means for distributing extracted water may allow the user to open the reservoir and physically remove the extracted water, as desired. As a clarifying example, the distribution module may comprise a coverable opening in the reservoir, that can be accessed and through which water can be transferred to another container outside of the system. In a further clarifying example, system may be configured such that the distribution module 318 comprises the reservoir, and the distribution module is configured to be removable from the system with the extracted water still within the reservoir. In another example, a manual or electric pump may be operated on demand by a user to pump the extracted water out of the system.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 3, the control module 330 may comprise the sensor module 332. The sensor module 332 may comprise at least one sensor. It is contemplated that the control module 330 is operative to receive the data collected by the at least one sensor. The control module 330 may be configured to interpret the data and execute changes to the system.

[0095] The at least one sensor of the sensor module 332 may be distributed amongst and within other modules comprising the system and further be configured to detect at least one variable selected from, for example only and not limitation, moisture level, system or module temperature, pressure within certain modules, power use as by or among certain modules, and water quality, or combinations thereof.

[0096] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor may be located within the air flow module 310. The at least one sensor in the air flow module may, as a non-limiting example, be operative to detect the amount of moisture, or humidity, in ambient and/or exhaust air. As an example, sensors in the air flow module 310 may for example be located on the inlet and outlet to measure the moisture of ambient air and the cool, dry air leaving the system, respectively. In such an example, the control module 330 may be operative to adjust system operations in order to reduce the moisture in the cool dry air and further to increase water yield.

[0097] In another example, the at least one sensor may be located within the cooling module 312. For example, the at least one sensor may be operative to detect the temperature in the cooling module 312. As another example, the at least one sensor may be operative to detect the pressure in the cooling chamber. The control module 330 may be operative to adjust cooling member to increase water yield. For example, the control module 330 may reduce the temperature of the cooling member to increase the water yield.

[0098] In a further example, the at least one sensor may be located within the collection module 314. As a non-limiting example, the at least one sensor may be located at the entrance of the reservoir to detect how much extracted water is entering the reservoir or moisture levels within the reservoir. Control module 330 may receive the detected moisture level as detected by the exemplary sensor, and be configured to run or halt operation of the system accordingly. If a the sensor detects moisture levels above a predetermined threshold in the reservoir, for example, the control module 330 may be operative to prevent the system from operating until the water level is reduced to some level below such threshold.

[0099] In another example, the at least one sensor in the reservoir 134 may be operative to detect temperature.

[0100] In an additional embodiment, the sanitation module 316 may comprise at least one sensor. As an example, the at least one sensor may be operative to measure water quality and comprise, without limitation, a pH analyzer, conductivity sensor, and/or turbidity meter. The control module 330 may, for example, be operative to detect water quality and determine whether extracted water is fit for consumption or general use.

[0101] In another embodiment, the distribution module 318 may comprise at least one sensor. For example and without limitation, it is contemplated that the at least one sensor in the distribution module 318 may be operative to measure the amount of water leaving the system. In such an example, the control module 330 may be operative to prevent or allow water to leave the system.

[0102] The power module 320 may comprise a power supply as, for example and not limitation, a battery or utility grid. In instances when the power supply is a battery, the battery may for example be rechargeable. The battery may be, without limitation, recharged by solar, wind, or the utility grid.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 3, the power module 320 may be operative to connect with the control module 330. In such an embodiment, the at least one sensor may be operative to detect power levels, such as a power level stored in the battery. In instances where the sensor determines that the battery is at less than full charge, the control module 330 may be operative to allow the battery to charge. In some embodiments, the control module 330 may receive the temperature of the battery. If, for example, the battery is at an elevated temperature, the control module 330 may prevent the system from operating until the battery temperature has been reduced.

[0104] As another non-limiting example, the control module 330 may be operative to receive the temperature from sensors in electrical communication with different components of the system that are operated by the power module. For example, the control module 330 may receive information relating to the temperature of the means for driving ambient air 114 as shown in FIG. 1. If a sensor detects that means for driving ambient air 114 is at some temperature above a predetermined threshold temperature, such as a threshold at which electrical components will experience damage or otherwise fail, the control module 330 may prevent the system from operating until the means for driving ambient air 114 has reduced in temperature to some other level.

[0105] In light of the foregoing, it may be recognized that sensor module 332 may comprise at least one type of sensor located in multiple modules. That is, the sensors may, for example and without limitation, be operative to detect the same variable as one another in different modules.

[0106] In another example, at least one sensor may be located externally from the system. For example, an at least one external sensor may be located on an exterior surface of the system. or at some distance away from, but in communication with, aspects of the system. In such an example, the control module 330 may be operative to utilize data received from the sensors to improve efficiency. For example, the external sensor may be operative to detect moisture levels, temperature, or air flow. It is contemplated that the control module 330 may be operative to analyze data received from the at least one external sensor to optimize the system for water recovery or to increase energy efficiency. For example, if an external sensor detects low moisture in the ambient air, the control module 330 may be operative to prevent the system from operating for lack of sufficient water available for extraction. As a further example, if an external sensor detects low ambient temperature, the control module 330 may be operative to allow the system to operate. Whereas in instances of high temperature the control module 330 may prevent the system from operating until the outside temperature has been reduced. Thus, it may be seen that the control module, and various sensors, may be configured to automatically execute energy saving operations in response to certain detected conditions.

[0107] The control module 330 may be further operative to communicate with a second device. For example, the second device may be a computer, cellular device, tablet, or other devices operative to receive communication. The control module 330 may be operative to communicate over wired or wireless communication. The control module 330 may send information collected from the sensor module 332. It is contemplated, that the control module 330 may receive information relating to desired outcomes, for example, improved water yield.

[0108] The control module 330 may also be configured to monitor conditions related to safety. In one exemplary embodiment, the control module 330 may be operative to analyze data received from the sensor module 332 and determine whether the system is operating within pre-determined safe parameters. If the system is operating outside of the pre-determined safe parameters, it is contemplated that the control module 330 may be operative to execute a safety step such as, for example, halting system operation, sending a notification to the second device, executing an alarm, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the alarm, may be a light, noise, or other suitable method of raising an alarm.

[0109] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement and interaction between components in the system and apparatus for extraction of water from air. This embodiment may comprise from the airflow module, an inlet 402, means for driving ambient air 404 into the system, and outlet 414; from the cooling module a cooling chamber 406, cooling member 408, and cooling means 410; and, from the collection module, a reservoir 412.

[0110] Such exemplary inlet 402 may be connected to the means for driving ambient air 404 such that the ambient air may be taken into the system through to the cooling chamber 406. The cooling chamber 406 may comprise cooling means 410 configured to cool the cooling member 408 and the cooling chamber 406, thus cooling air driven in to the cooling chamber. In this exemplary embodiment, the cooling chamber 406 may then be connected to the reservoir 412 and the outlet 414. It is contemplated that this is only one of many configurations for the outlet 414. For example and without limitation, the outlet 414 may be located in the reservoir 412 or at some point along any means for connecting the reservoir 412 and the cooling chamber 406, such as pipes or ductwork.

[0111] FIG. 5 depicts another exemplary embodiment of the configuration and interaction between components of the system and apparatus for extracting water from air. In this embodiment, exemplary outlet 414 is connected to the cooling chamber 406. It is contemplated that placing an outlet in this manner may ease recycling of air through the system for further water extraction on the basis of proximity to the inlet 402 and/or means for driving ambient air 404. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that providing an outlet for exhaust at the cooling chamber 406 may also, or alternatively, beneficially reduce energy transfer between extracted water and exhaust air. It will also be seen that a collection means 416 and the reservoir 412 may be separate from one another. This may allow users to remove the reservoir, for instance, without disturbing other components or modules comprising the system. Finally, a means for distributing 418 from embodiments of the distribution module described above, may be connected to the reservoir 412 according to any manner described above.

[0112] Thus, it may be seen that in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 a direct connection between the cooling chamber 406 and the reservoir 412 exists, and, as such, the reservoir 414 may be configured to receive extracted water directedly from the cooling chamber 406 without the assistance of the collection means 416, though including a collection means 416 may more effectively deliver extracted water into the reservoir 412.

[0113] Of course, it will be understood that while FIGS. 4 and 5 depict particular exemplary embodiments of the arrangement and selection of parts comprising the system for extraction of water from air, many other arrangements and connections between parts are possible without departing from the invention.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0114] While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the reservoir in the system may be connected to a greater reservoir where water from multiple sources is stored. It is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s).

[0115] The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0116] Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the system, apparatus, and method for extracting water from air with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the system, apparatus, and method for extracting water from air to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed system, method and apparatus. The above description of embodiments of the system, apparatus, and method for extracting water from air is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.

[0117] While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the method, system, and apparatus are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

[0118] While certain aspects of the method and system disclosed are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects of the method, system, and apparatus are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the system, apparatus, and method for extracting water from air.